North Poudre # 6 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

North Poudre # 6 is a privately owned irrigation dam located on the Cache La Poudre River in Larimer County, Colorado.


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Summary

Built in 1905, this earth dam stands at a height of 42 feet and has a storage capacity of 14,514 acre-feet, making it a crucial water resource for the surrounding area. The dam has a surface area of 541 acres and a maximum discharge capacity of 15,500 cubic feet per second.

Despite its age, North Poudre # 6 is in satisfactory condition according to the most recent inspection conducted in July 2020. However, the dam is classified as having a high hazard potential, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure its continued safety and reliability. The dam is regulated by the Colorado Division of Water Resources, which oversees its permitting, inspection, and enforcement processes.

In the event of an emergency, the dam does not appear to have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place, which raises concerns about preparedness for potential incidents. Overall, North Poudre # 6 presents a moderate risk level (rating of 3), highlighting the importance of continued risk assessment and management measures to protect both the dam and the surrounding community from potential hazards.

Year Completed

1905

Dam Length

2584

Dam Height

42

River Or Stream

CACHE LA POUDRE RIVER-TR

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

541

Hydraulic Height

42

Drainage Area

10

Nid Storage

14514

Structural Height

42

Hazard Potential

High

Nid Height

42
       
Seasonal Comparison

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.